Decent at most things.

Computing. People think I'm a freakin’ wizard.

My first love was computers. It began with the Internet and dial-up modems which grew into programming and systems administration as I got older. I taught myself web programming, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in computer science, and got a job or three in network and systems administration. I later added a Master of Science in information security with special interest in database security. Now, despite my distaste for commercial "certification" programs (pay, cram, pass, forget), I will be adding a Security+ certification to my repertoire soon. If you can't beat 'em, join 'em, I suppose.

Aviation. Pretty alright.

While pursuing my education goals, I became bored with computers for a bit and decided I wanted to learn to fly. My dad had earned his pilot's license in the 1980s and I thought smack in the middle of college was the ideal time to start on my own license. I began charging all of my flight training to a credit card thinking I had forever and a day to pay it off. It turns out that I needed considerably less time than forever to eliminate that debt and the decision to start flying eventually landed me a career as a US Air Force pilot. It's pretty alright. Like any career, once you start doing something fun as your profession, the gloss wears off. I will likely spend 20+ years in the service, though. Maybe I should start flying for fun, again…

Expert in unmanned systems.

Remotely piloted aircraft. A good blend.

Following Undergraduate Pilot Training I volunteered to take an assignment back in my hometown which landed me in the burgeoning world of remotely piloted aircraft. The original intent was to return to manned aircraft after three years, but I found the RPA to be too interesting a mix of my interests in aviation and computing. I quickly surmised that these aircraft were the future of airpower and thus decided to become an early adopter and advocate. Plus, it was new and there was—and still is—a lot of room for growth. As a result, I'm now one of the most experienced RPA pilots the Air Force has. I have more than 2,000 hours of flight time, have been an instructor for most of that, and am now entering squadron leadership roles.

Remote Warfare Association

RWA is a non-profit, independent, professional association dedicated to the advancement and public understanding of remote warfare. Started by two Air Force officers and RPA pilots, the association espouses multi-domain, effects-based, joint, and whole-of-government mindsets to maximize value to strategy. And I am it's CEO. Well, I'm actually everything… CEO, President, Treasurer, and Secretary. The whole thing is basically me and a buddy, has no funding, and no other members, but we have plans. What we don't presently have is time. Nevertheless, there are software and media projects underway that will hopefully help fund the organization and allow us to serve as experts to the rest of the world.

Get in touch.

Whether you're an old friend trying to catch up or a new acquaintance with a general inquiry, shoot me a message. I'm always seeking new opportunities or ideas to work with. And for you old friends, you might have noticed that I don't use social media much. Really, the best way to get me is via email… which you can do with this handy form here.